Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew says Ghana is ready to put on a show and make the nation proud when they face Colombia in Friday’s FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash at Kansas City Stadium.
Speaking at the official pre-match press conference on Thursday, Ayew stressed the team’s focus ahead of the knockout tie.
The former Crystal Palace striker dismissed concerns from the Croatia defeat, calling it a one-off, and backed Head Coach Carlos Queiroz’s tactical plan for Colombia.
Ghana faces Colombia on Friday, July 3, at 8:30 p.m. ET at Kansas City Stadium. The winner advances to the Round of 16 to face the winner of Switzerland vs Algeria.
Here is what he told the media:
On expectations
We know tomorrow is going to be a big game. We are ready. We've been growing in the tournament. Listen, tomorrow we just want to put in a show and make sure we win tomorrow. And that's the most important thing for us, is to win.
On preparation for Colombia after Croatia loss
Personally, I think the Croatia game was a one-off. Let's take it like that. Colombia's knockout is going to be a knockout game, so it's going to be totally different. We have to be ready for that challenge. It's a top team and it's going to be a difficult game, but I'm confident that with what the manager has told us tactically, we'll be ready for the challenge tomorrow. So, there's no problem about that.
On Ghana meeting a team that is yet to lose
Listen, in football, every game you start is 50-50. Tomorrow is going to be another tight game. Listen, we are going to do our best. We are going to put on a show and we will see what will happen. But what I can guarantee you is that we will definitely make Africa proud and Ghana proud.
On Ghana witchdoctor making headlines
And about the Witch Doctor, I haven't seen anything about it, so I can't tell you anything, to be honest.
On assessment of the team how they adjust playing under pressure
Well, obviously, we'll see tomorrow. Tomorrow is going to be a big game. Everyone has to show up. So, let's wait and see tomorrow. But I'm pretty confident it's an attribute for us because I think that under pressure, the boys will flourish.
On playing against former teammates Dan Munoz and Jefferson Lerma
Obviously, I played with Dan and Jeff. Honestly, I really enjoyed myself playing with them. Really good guys, top guys. Good friends as well. Obviously, I haven't seen them for a while now. Obviously, tomorrow, not before the game, but after the game. We'll definitely have a conversation and discussion. They are really, really good guys. It will be really good to see them tomorrow.
On playing for the victims of Accra floods
Yeah, obviously everyone is aware. Because obviously we are Ghanaians and we always check the news. And obviously we want to sympathise with our people. For Accra especially. Because obviously it's not been easy the last couple of days for everyone. Even me personally, I have friends here and there. So, the boys as well, everyone is aware. And obviously we had a discussion about it. So, we know what is at stake tomorrow. We do know. And obviously it's a motivation for us to make our people proud and to take Ghana to the next level. So yeah, it's going to be challenging tomorrow. But hopefully we can make them proud tomorrow. And that's the most important thing.
On memories of the 2010 World Cup
Yes, 16 years ago I remember exactly where I was. I was at the airport going for pre-season with Marseille. And obviously that was when Ghana won the game against USA. And it was amazing. Obviously, those are the moments that we want to bring back to our country. We know that it's been a while now. People in our country have not been too pleased but we're trying, we're getting there slowly but surely. And we'll make sure that tomorrow will be the first step for us to bring joy to the country.
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